King James Version

What Does Acts 13:43 Mean?

Acts 13:43 in the King James Version says “Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, spea... — study this verse from Acts chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Acts 13:43 · KJV


Context

41

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.

42

And when the Jews were gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles besought that these words might be preached to them the next sabbath. the next: Gr. in the week between, or, in the sabbath between

43

Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44

And the next sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God.

45

But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spake against those things which were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Many Jews and 'religious proselytes' followed Paul and Barnabas after the synagogue service, seeking further instruction. The apostles' exhortation to 'continue in the grace of God' emphasizes that Christian life begins and continues by grace. This phrase guards against both legalistic additions to grace and presumption that takes grace for granted, maintaining gospel balance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The 'religious proselytes' were Gentile converts to Judaism who had undertaken full law-observance. Paul's message that grace, not law, sustains spiritual life offered them freedom they hadn't known.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you 'continue in the grace of God' without either adding works or presuming on God's kindness?
  2. What does this teach about grace as both entry point and ongoing sustenance for Christian life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
λυθείσης1 of 27

was broken up

G3089

to "loosen" (literally or figuratively)

δὲ2 of 27

Now

G1161

but, and, etc

τῆς3 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

συναγωγῆς4 of 27

when the congregation

G4864

an assemblage of persons; specially, a jewish "synagogue" (the meeting or the place); by analogy, a christian church

ἠκολούθησαν5 of 27

followed

G190

properly, to be in the same way with, i.e., to accompany (specially, as a disciple)

πολλοὶ6 of 27

many

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

τῶν7 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰουδαίων8 of 27

of the Jews

G2453

judaean, i.e., belonging to jehudah

καὶ9 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῶν10 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σεβομένων11 of 27

religious

G4576

to revere, i.e., adore

προσηλύτων12 of 27

proselytes

G4339

an arriver from a foreign region, i.e., (specially), an acceder (convert) to judaism ("proselyte")

τῷ13 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παύλῳ14 of 27

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

καὶ15 of 27

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ16 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Βαρναβᾷ17 of 27

Barnabas

G921

son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite

οἵτινες18 of 27

who

G3748

which some, i.e., any that; also (definite) which same

προσλαλοῦντες19 of 27

speaking

G4354

to talk to, i.e., converse with

αὐτοὺς20 of 27

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἔπειθον21 of 27

persuaded

G3982

to convince (by argument, true or false); by analogy, to pacify or conciliate (by other fair means); reflexively or passively, to assent (to evidence

αὐτοὺς22 of 27

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐπιμένειν23 of 27

to continue

G1961

to stay over, i.e., remain (figuratively, persevere)

τῇ24 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

χάριτι25 of 27

in the grace

G5485

graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

τοῦ26 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ27 of 27

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 13:43 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 13:43 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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